BM Lammawin eyes unified, strategic development of Kalinga culture and arts: ‘If we really develop our own, it will be better—there is so much we can showcase to the country’

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Camilo Lammawin is pushing for a more unified and strategic approach to preserving and promoting the province’s rich heritage, emphasizing that Kalinga’s culture is vast and among the best in the country in terms of arts and traditions.

Lammawin made the statement during the orientation and workshop on the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts (PDP-CA) 2024–2029 held on April 23 at Golden Berries in San Juan.

The legislator stressed the need for a holistic approach to better showcase and further develop the province’s cultural identity on both national and international stages.

“When we talk about Kalinga culture, it is very extensive. But if we adopt a holistic approach and work together with the academe and local government units to contribute ideas on how to enhance our development in culture and the arts, I believe we can truly say that we are among the best. There is so much that we can showcase to the country, but we should start by organizing it here and presenting a unified vision of what we can be proud of as Kalinga culture,” he said.

Lammawin also highlighted the growing interest among the younger generation in reviving and promoting indigenous music, noting that traditional Kalinga songs are now being performed not only within the province but also in neighboring areas and other parts of the country.

“Dagitoy youngsters tayo these days, adu agtulad or ag-cover ti international music ngem tattan ket kantaen dan dagiti kanta tayo—dagita Sissiwit, Maguinam, Guiyapatan. Mapan ka idiay Isabela, Benguet, Viscaya ket isu met ti salsalaen kada kantaen da—they don’t have those kind of music. All those came from here, and if we really develop our own ket maymayat talaga,” he said.

Beyond the arts, the board member underscored the importance of promoting local delicacies and cultural products, which he said form part of Kalinga’s identity and tourism potential. He also emphasized the need to preserve and develop traditional arts through documentation and mentorship of young artists to ensure authenticity while encouraging innovation.

Lammawin expressed optimism that with stronger collaboration among stakeholders and a clearer cultural framework, Kalinga can further elevate its status as a cultural hub not only in the region but across the country.